The government has confirmed plans to fast-track Heathrow Airport’s long-delayed third runway, with ministers promising the UK will “experience the benefits sooner” from the £50bn expansion project.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander announced on Thursday that work has begun on a new Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), setting out the framework for airport expansion across the country. The updated statement — expected to be published for consultation by summer 2026 — will pave the way for a final government decision on Heathrow’s runway before the end of the current Parliament.

Alexander said the updated policy is needed to reflect new environmental and climate obligations, but reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering a third runway at Heathrow by 2035.

“Today is a critical building block which will advance plans for the delivery of a third runway at Heathrow, meaning people can start to experience the full benefits sooner,” she said. “Enabling Heathrow expansion will drive economic growth and create jobs across the country.”

The revised ANPS will incorporate Labour’s four key tests for any airport expansion — covering climate impact, noise pollution, air quality and economic growth — and will align with the UK’s net zero targets, according to the Department for Transport (DfT).

Both Heathrow Airport and the Arora Group, which has proposed an alternative runway design, have been asked to submit additional details before ministers select a preferred scheme in November.

Heathrow’s chief executive, Thomas Woldbye, said the airport’s plan was “the only option that can be approved by 2029 and be up and running within a decade”, urging ministers to act swiftly “so we can move from talking to building”.

The expansion comes amid a wave of approvals for London’s other airports, including Luton and Gatwick, both cleared to grow their capacity earlier this year. The DfT said Heathrow’s expansion would be privately financed with “no cost to the taxpayer”, and emphasised that sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) would be critical to ensuring the enlarged airport contributes to the UK’s climate goals.

Business groups broadly welcomed the move. The British Chambers of Commerce said the new runway would “boost trade, attract investment, improve connectivity, and deliver wide-ranging benefits for the economy.”

However, environmental and political opposition remains fierce.
Ruth Cadbury, chair of the Commons Transport Committee, said the government had failed to reconcile the expansion with its climate commitments.

“It’s like trying to slow the car by hitting the gas — and that’s a cause for serious concern,” she said.

Paul McGuinness, chair of the No 3rd Runway Coalition, called the project “stubbornly misguided”, arguing that ministers have “still not demonstrated an economic case or capacity requirement.”
Meanwhile, Green Party transport spokesperson Siân Berry accused the government of prioritising “wealthy frequent flyers” over local communities.

If approved, the third runway would mark the largest expansion in Heathrow’s history — and a defining test of the government’s pledge to balance economic growth with climate responsibility.

Dubai International Airport (DXB) welcomed 31.5 million passengers during the first half of 2026, as airline capacity gradually recovered and passenger demand strengthened during the second quarter.

Passenger traffic increased steadily through Q2, rising from 3.5 million in April to 4.5 million in May and 5 million in June.

Despite regional airspace restrictions affecting operations during the first six months, the return of international airlines, improved connectivity and stronger load factors pointed to resilient demand across key markets.

DXB handled 13 million passengers in the second quarter, bringing first-half traffic to 31.5 million, down 31.3% year on year.

Aircraft movements reached 150,600 during the first half, a 32.1% decline compared with the same period in 2025. By the end of June, the airport was served by nearly 50 international airlines, connecting passengers to 217 destinations across 99 countries.

Cargo volumes totalled 751,340 tonnes, down 28.7% year on year, while the airport processed 30.3 million bags, a 28% decline.

Despite the challenging operating environment, DXB maintained strong passenger service performance. 98.98% of departing passengers completed passport control within 10 minutes, while 98.95% of arriving passengers cleared passport control within 15 minutes. Meanwhile, 99.34% of passengers passed through security within five minutes.

Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths said the first half of the year tested the aviation system but demonstrated its resilience, adding that the airport is well positioned to accommodate returning demand as airline capacity recovers.

Looking ahead, Dubai Airports expects stronger momentum during the second half, supported by recovering airline networks and frequencies, increasing international transfer traffic, easing travel advisories, the winter schedule and Dubai’s busy calendar of business, leisure and sporting events.

DXB is also continuing investments in passenger facilities, biometric systems, self-service options, operational technology and passenger-flow improvements to enhance the airport experience.

Source: WAM

Sharjah Airport recorded a significant increase in passenger traffic during the peak summer travel period from August 10 to 16, handling more than 390,000 passengers as travelers returned from holidays ahead of the new academic year.

Arriving passengers exceeded 175,000, while departing passengers reached approximately 151,000. The airport also recorded more than 66,000 transit passengers during the week.

Sharjah Airport handled 1,175 arriving and 1,175 departing flights, serving more than 100 international destinations and reinforcing its role as a regional hub for passenger and air cargo connectivity.

The highest daily passenger movement was recorded on August 15, when the airport handled 48,859 arriving and departing passengers, including 25,251 arrivals and 23,608 departures.

The busiest destinations during the week were Cairo, Doha, Dhaka and Amman, reflecting strong demand for travel to key regional and international markets.

The airport said the figures highlight the effectiveness of its preparations for the peak summer season. Sharjah Airport had expected to handle around three million passengers and 19,000 flight movements during July and August.

An integrated operational plan, implemented in coordination with strategic partners, was put in place to accommodate rising passenger volumes, maintain smooth operations and strengthen readiness across airport teams.

Source: WAM

Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Qassim Region has expanded its air connectivity network to 18 domestic and international destinations served by 16 airlines, providing travelers with more options to destinations across Saudi Arabia and abroad.

Domestic destinations include Riyadh, Madinah, Jeddah, Dammam and Abha, while international services connect Qassim with cities including Kuwait, Cairo, Islamabad, Istanbul, Manama, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Sohag, Multan, Khartoum and Giza.

Khartoum was recently added to the airport’s international network through Tarco Aviation, with one weekly one-way service.

The expansion reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen Qassim’s international air connectivity, respond to growing passenger demand and provide travelers with broader and more convenient flight options.

The airport is also continuing to build partnerships with international airlines as part of efforts to enhance the passenger experience and support the wider development of Saudi Arabia’s aviation network

Source: SPA

Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC) has awarded a contract to develop an automated people mover (APM) system for the first phase of Al Maktoum International Airport, creating what is expected to be the world’s largest airport transit system of its kind.

The contract was awarded to a consortium comprising Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), its Dubai-based subsidiary MHI Mobility Engineering Services (MHI-MESC), and Indian engineering group Larsen and Toubro (L&T).

The APM network will extend approximately 50 kilometers and connect nine stations, making it significantly larger than existing airport people-mover systems.

MHI and MHI-MESC will oversee the design, procurement and testing of 165 vehicles, as well as signaling technology and overall system integration. L&T will be responsible for designing, procuring, testing and constructing the remaining subsystems on site.

The project is scheduled for completion in December 2031.

The scale of Dubai’s planned system will surpass existing airport transit networks, including the approximately 8-kilometer Skylink at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and The Plane Train at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

The APM network will connect Al Maktoum International Airport’s terminals and key facilities, helping improve passenger movement, reduce transfer times and support efficient airport operations.

The project forms part of Dubai’s broader plans to develop Al Maktoum International into one of the world’s largest aviation hubs. The airport is targeted to begin operations in 2032 and is ultimately expected to handle up to 260 million passengers annually.

The planned expansion is designed to accommodate growing regional and international air traffic while strengthening Dubai’s position as a major global aviation hub.

Source: Khaleej Times